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Information about Datca, Turkey
Datca (or ancient Cnidus or Knidos) is located in the approximate middle of a long peninsula about 75 km from Marmaris. The Datca Peninsula provides a natural boundary between the Aegean Sea, the Gulf of Gokova to the north, the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Hisaronu to the south. The road to Datca winds among trees and hills, permitting lovely views over this expanse of blue. The fastest way to get to Datca is by plane. The closest arrival airports to Datca are Dalaman (167 km) and Bodrum (185 km).
From the Dalaman Airport you can take a taxi, bus or rented car to get to Datca via Marmaris. For the guest via Bodrum Airport there is a daily ferry and hydrofoil service from Bodrum to Datca (May-October). The transfer from Dalaman Airport takes approx. 2,5 hours. Several Turkish coach companies operate modern and comfortable buses between Datca and Istanbul and also other cities.
In Datca whitewashed buildings hung with bougainvillea decorate the town. The marina is on the southern bay, while swimmers prefer the northern bay. Around the lively yacht harbor you will find plenty of restaurants, a good selection of cafes, bars and shops. There is a colorful weekly market on Saturdays.
Near the beach in Datca is a freshwater spring, which is slightly warmer than the sea. The spring is reputed for its natural healing powers. Here you can relax. Off the main tourist routes Datca appears to be more like an oasis, a beautiful, quiet haven of peace and tranquility.
10 km north of Datca, the Kormen Harbor is connected to Bodrum by a daily ferry line. If you travel out of Datca, either by road or by boat, you will find unspoiled bays and golden sandy beaches. Kargi beach is one of the most popular. 25 km from Datca is also the beautiful Aktur beach. Datca is an ideal place for active holidaymakers with a choice of water sports, including wind surfing, sailing and scuba diving to occupy most enthusiasts.
Old Datca (Dadya, Eski Datca) with beautiful old stone houses, holiday and permanent residences of many Europeans and Turks, displays typical architecture of the area. Old Datca is 4 km from the center of Datca and regular bus services are available.
The pleasant climate of this idyllic Peninsula will fascinate you. The low humidity in conjunction with constant cooling sea breezes diminishes the effects of the intense heat. The extremely oxygen-rich air makes Datca (Cnidus) a very healthy place to live in. This "Magic Climate" is ideal for people with heart, circulatory, nervous and rheumatic diseases. The varied nature and richness of the beautiful undiscovered parts of the Datca Peninsula will surprise those who enjoy exploring and hiking.
At the end of the peninsula (38 km from Datca) stands the ancient Carian city of Knidos, described by Strabo as "a city that was built for the most beautiful of goddesses, Aphrodite, on the most beautiful of peninsulas." Knidos was a famous center of art and culture in the fourth century B.C. the city had two harbors: one on the Aegean and the other on the Mediterranean. The remains of a circular temple dedicated to the goddess of love overlook the two harbors; the arcaded way was built of white marble with heart shaped columns. The legendary Aphrodite statue of Praxiteles was known to be one of the most beautiful sculptures of antiquity. |
